7 tips on garden art

Art and accessories make a garden your own. Consider anything from true art to found-but-fun objects. Most of all, let creativity be your guide. Here are seven tips on using accessories in the garden.

1. Look at objects with new eyes to see their garden potential. You'd be surprised to see what can work as a garden accent. Just make sure it's weatherproof.

2. Incorporate existing structures into garden decor.

The Oregonian

3. If you've got a good thing going, make it even more spectacular by putting it on a pedestal. Anything, including an old tree trunk, can be a pedestal. Make sure the pedestal is in keeping with the object it presents. A classic pot, for instance, needs an aristocratic pedestal.

4. Don't let your pocketbook limit you. Create your own art. Homemade scarecrows have a joyful exuberance that should cheer up any garden visitor, except perhaps the birds. This is the kind of project children would enjoy.

5. Think about background. Bold, modern pieces would be ill-matched against a romantic flower bed. But equally bold and simple foliage would make a fine foil for them.

6. Really look at an object and think how it pairs with neighboring plants, just as you would match companion plants.

The Oregonian

7. Pull small ornaments together for maximum impact. Make delightful vignettes out of groupings of pots, water bowls and found objects. This is a great way to display collections such as seashells, unusual rocks or whatever catches your fancy.

-- Dulcy Mahar

If you want to automatically receive a daily homes and gardens tip, sign up here.